Rev. Steven J. Van Heest
April 29, 1952 – March 10, 2019
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, March 15, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Third Christian Reformed Church, 2400 Winchell Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Memorial contributions may be made to All Our Kids (allourkids.net), Sierra Club (sierraclub.org) or Gift of Life Michigan (giftoflifemichigan.org).
Obituary
Age 66, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019, surrounded by his family. Steven was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 29, 1952, the son of the late Leonard, Jr. and Bette J. (Smith) Van Heest. He is survived by Sue Van Heest; children, Carissa (Chad Doxey) Van Heest, Aaron (Angela) Van Heest, Jessica (Joseph) Dunn and Benjamin Van Heest; grandchildren, Leif, Zoe and Finn Doxey-Van Heest, Maya and Rosa Van Heest, Ethan and Vincent Schultz, and Maxwell Van Heest; brother, Victor (Anne) Van Heest; and sister, Julie (Douglas) Gortsema. Steven graduated from Calvin Seminary and Drew University. He spent many years in the ministry of the Christian Reformed Church and as a hospital chaplain. Steve loved his family, was compassionate, was an environmental steward, and had a great love of the water.
Aaron, My heart goes out to you and you family. Praying for you all thru this time.
Our sympathies to the whole family. This was a shock to hear. It was a joy to have worked with Steve for many years at Westwood CRC.
Our hearts ache for everyone that loved and knew Steve. The sting of death is painful, but we rejoice that Steve is with his Lord and Savior.
I was truly saddened when I received word of Steve passing. What a wonderful colleague he was to work with at Bronson, and how I enjoyed shared conversations. I am so glad that we talked a few weeks ago on the phone. What a great spirit of encouragement he always was! Peace be with each of you.